L1-B Visa Extension

[amolg]

Hi,

I am in US and my company has applied for my L1-B visa extension. The petition is already pending with USCIS. Its almost a month and i still did not get any reply. I want to know how long it takes for an L1 B petition to get approved from USCIS. What are the problems, if any?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Thanks,
Amol.

[selvan8]

L1-B Visa Extension - RFE

1) Received RFE, after processing it to premium L1 Visa extension process. Is the rejection rate high on L1B extension? Can anyone give some guidance to overcome the RFE

2 ) If decided to apply for H1B. Is there any option to transfer/convert to H1B from L1B Visa. Or do we need to file a new H1B

[amolg]

Hi,

I just got to know, I received RFE. What usually they asks in RFE? How long extension will take now?

Thanks,
Amol.

[raghvi]

Off late many L1B's are having RFE. USCIS seeks more evidence on the kind of project, duration, candidates skill sets etc you would have to check with your office as to what exactly USCIS is seeking. Extension can sometime take few months too. I think as long as you have a valid I94 you should not have a problem. . L1-B to H1-B can be initiated by the sponsoring company but off late USCIS do the transfer as consular process in which case one has to travel back to home country for H1-stamping. This again is my personal opinion, please do seek expert help.

[amolg]

Thanks Raghvi. My I-94 is expiring this month end. I think i can stay 240 days after I-94 expiration. But my problem is now i have to go on vacation to India this month end for my brothers wedding and if i go to India , i have to do stamping or else i can't come back. But until the petition gets approved, its a risks to travel to India. So i am confused as what to be done.

[kabkaba]

Since your I-94 has not expired, it is okay if you travel abroad. But, you must wait until your employer receives the new petition approval notice to return to US. If your Visa is valid at the time of return, you can use that and the new approval notice to return to US.